Loose Change

Back in the late '70's we discovered an amazing band called Loose Change who used to play almost every Sunday lunchtime at Satchmo's Place, which was part of the Midland Hotel in West Didsbury.

So brilliant were these musicians that we made a regular crusade to watch them whenever they appeared.

We became friends with the members of the band and, as musicians ourselves, we struck up a deal whereby on the odd occasion when Loose Change had other plans and could not perform that our band would step-in and fill the slot in order to keep the music flowing.
The name of my band at the time was Orlando and we began to get a bit of a following there too. But it was always Loose Change that were the main crowd pullers.

Loose Change had the uncanny ability, with their mixture of Latin American/funk music, to build up such a groove throughout their set, that by the time they reached their final song, everyone in the place was usually up on their feet grooving away to their amazing music.
It was an incredible scene to be part of and I have very fond memories of those days.

Even more amazing is that even though it's around 40 years ago, Loose Change are still together, belting out fine music, now at The Moor Club, Heaton Moor, Stockport (see below).

Sadly, some of the original members are no longer with us but the guys have kept this incredible band going.

Over the years I have made an effort to see them as often as possible, when I lived in Manchester, however I now live in County Durham and getting to see them as often as I would hope is not always as easy.

If you get the chance....go see 'em! They are fantastic.

Mark Knott 13 April 2018

Loose Change can be seen at the Moor Club, Heaton Moor Road Stockport SK4-4PB on the second and fourth Wednesday of every month ..... featuring:

Mel Dean, Guitar / Max Beesley, Percussion / Ollie Collins, Bass Steve Gilbert, Drums / Tim France, Saxes / Matt Steel, Keys

Contemporary Jazz / Latin / Funk featuring the music of Herbie Hancock/Bob James/David Sanborn/Lee Ritenour/Larry Carlton and much more. Cheap drinks and free food at half time.

Mel Dean 1 May 2018